What Causes Keratoconus?
As of now, no one precisely knows what causes Keratoconus. A few recent studies suggest that it may occur when your cornea becomes weaker due to specific enzyme issues. The bodies of younger people might lack a few protective enzymes, making their cornea more prone to damage. Such damage can cause the cornea to bulge and thin outward. Some research has suggested that there may be some genetic link, as this condition tends to run in families, too.
The cornea is the reason that helps us see clearly. The tiny proteins known as collagen help the cornea stay in shape. Our cornea can’t hold its shape when this collagen gets weakened or damaged. That’s what causes Keratoconus.
Why Antioxidants Matter for Your Eyes?
Keratoconus occurs when your cornea gets damaged by free radicals. These free radicals are formed when your cells work. Your cornea consists of many mitochondria, which help your cells create energy. A few free radicals are also formed to produce energy. Usually, antioxidants inside your body restrict them from causing damage. However, without sufficient antioxidants, these free radicals may harm your cornea and even other parts of your body. So, what causes Keratoconus? Maybe the damage caused by these free radicals. Hence, antioxidants in your body matter a lot for your eyes’ health.
Family Connections and Some Acquired Causes
A genetic link has been recently established, suggesting a genetic predisposition. This might be one of the answers to the question of what causes Keratoconus. This means a person with a close genetic history of Keratoconus has a higher chance of getting this condition. Luckily, this condition also evolves at a gradual pace and might not damage vision in every case.
Irritation in the exterior parts of your eyes can be one of the reasons behind what causes Keratoconus.
When the outer linings of your eyelids, known as conjunctivae, get infected, it may cause irritation, inflammation, or redness. This condition is called conjunctivitis. This can make your eyes itchy. Also, things such as dust particles, hairs, or specific cosmetics can irritate your eye. When your eyes are irritated, it can cause friction damage to your cornea or sclera.
UV rays are harmful to your cornea. People who spend more time in the sun, such as soldiers, construction workers, or police officers, have greater chances of damaging your cornea.
One more thing that can harm your cornea is wearing poorly or loosely positioned contact lenses. Hence, buying one of good quality and only with a prescription is always recommended.
Persons who are more prone to allergic reactions like Asthma also have higher chances because of allergic inflammation of conjunctivae, causing itchy eyes and leading to friction damage to your cornea.